Today's slate features just two games, but there are still plenty of juicy NHL player props to choose from.
Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov is poised for another multi-point performance in a soft matchup, and he headlines my NHL picks for Sunday, Oct. 18.
Today's best NHL player prop picks
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
| Pick |  Probability |
|---|---|
 Kirill Kaprizov 2+ points |
39% |
 Shayne Gostisbehere 2+ shots |
55% |
| Andrei Svechnikov anytime goal |
38% |
Percentages courtesy of Novig, one of the best prediction market apps.
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Prop pick #1: Kirill Kaprizov 2+ points
I'm playing Kirill Kaprizov 2+ points to 42%.
Kaprizov is off to an electric start this season with 14 points and an NHL-leading nine goals in eight games. The Minnesota Wild winger has collected 2+ points in three of his last four outings, and he'll pick up at least a couple tonight against a weak Columbus Blue Jackets team.
"Kirill the Thrill" leads Minnesota in individual expected goals (6.78), is controlling 58.52% of expected goals at 5-on-5 when he's on the ice, and the Wild have outscored their opponents 8-2 at 5-on-5 when he's out there, too.
The Blue Jackets are allowing 3.50 goals against per game, tied for the eighth-worst mark leaguewide, and Cam Talbot is likely starting in goal tonight. The 38-year-old holds a brutal .822 SV% and 4.43 GAA over two games this season.
The Wild will score at will, with Kirill all over the score sheet.
- Matchup: Blue Jackets vs. Wild
- Time: 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul
- TV: Sportsnet+
Prop pick #2: Shayne Gostisbehere 2+ shots
I'm targeting Shayne Gostisbehere for 2+ shots to 58%.
The Carolina Hurricanes are rolling after tallying seven straight wins, and Gostisbehere is at the heart of their success.
The Canes' blueliner ranks fifth on the team in shots (18), is tied for third in shot attempts (49), and he's logged 2+ shots in five straight contests and six of his last seven.
The lowly Calgary Flames have recorded just one win in seven outings, largely due to their atrocious defense. The Flames rank dead-last with 5.00 gapg and ninth-last in shots against per game (28.7).
The Hurricanes are second in both shots per contest (32.8) and Corsi at 5-on-5 (60.19%). Carolina will generate a ton of offensive zone pressure, which means it'll be an active night for Gostisbehere.
- Matchup: Hurricanes vs. Flames
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
- TV: Sportsnet West
Goal scorer pick: Andrei Svechnikov
Playable to 41%.
The Hurricanes boast a ton of depth up front, but Andrei Svechnikov has definitely been their standout forward so far.
Svechnikov has tickled the twine in four of his last six contests while averaging 3.00 shots per game this season.
The Hurricanes' winger has been unstoppable in the offensive zone, leading the team in individual expected goals (4.51) and shot attempts (54), while ranking second in high-danger chances (17).
The Flames have allowed 4+ goals in six of seven games this season, and if I'm picking anyone to score against them tonight, it's Svechnikov.
- Matchup: Hurricanes vs. Flames
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
- TV: Sportsnet West
- Prop picks: 2-3, -1.45 units
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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